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This Nancy Zieman quilt was posted on Facebook and I thought I'd bring it over here just in case anyone didn't see it. Nice and bright.

http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/quilt-to-give/

Don't you think this would work well with a 1600 quilt, also?

I recently came across that quilt too. It's a quilt anyone would love to receive!

I wish my guild had chosen a simple straight forward design like that for our charity quilts. Instead we are doing string blocks..which requires paper foundation and "rules"....making it harder for everyone to participate.

Maybe I will make one of these quilts on my own to donate.

Perfect for just straight line quilting too.

I agree with you jeepdarla. That is one of the reasons I do not contribute to a lot of places. I know there must be rules like within suchand such size, cotton fabrics but some of them even go as far as to tell you certain colors are not appropriate, etc. And then the patriotic quilts just floor me. You are asking me to donate my fabric and my time and probably postage and you are going to tell me I cannpt use purple or yellow or green. That gets my goat and guess what they don't get a quilt from me either. I am making a quilt for Quilts of Valor for the June retreat but that is the only one. If they would allow other colors they would get a lot more from me. I just delivered 33 quilts to House of Ruth last week and they were delighted to get them--and guess what noone said anything about the colors. They were all the colors of the rainbow and more. That's my 2 cents wortha and I am sure I have ticked off more than a few and frankly, oh well.

I'm not angry with you, Owie. I'm just so glad you are helping others. The need is so great in so many places that there's room for all of us. I don't mind being limited in colors, so I'm doing Quilts of Valor. My son has a Quilt of Valor, so they are special to me. There are many in need who like bright colors and purple and green, and they will love your quilts. I'm so glad you are making and distributing quilts to those who need them. Good Job, friend! And to you also, jeepdarla. Thank you for going along with your guild. I agree that there are sometimes too many rules, but when the cause is a good one it's worth all the rules. I encourage you to make your own beautiful quilts and give them to those in need, with or without all the rules!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Navy Wife,

Jeepdarla, our charity quilts are also string quilts, but we do the "quilt as you go" — no rules other than use strips and the same batting in all of the blocks that will be in the same quilt. They go really fast, and we all have tons of strips, batting pieces, and backings.

We also do whatever strikes our fancy for donation quilts, and the women's shelter that receives them is very happy with whatever we come up with. The smaller ones go to kids, and the larger to the women.

That said, there is also room for Quilts of Valor, and those of us who are veterans or family members of veterans know how special those quilts are.

So, let's all figure out a way to use our talents to help those less fortunate and be really happy with our decisions. Whatever you do and however you choose to do it shows your concern for humanity.

Just want to add that QOV does not require patriotic fabric. They do ask for good quality fabric to be used, as we should want to anyway to honor the service member that is going to receive the quilt.

Following is a copy and paste from their site. Just want to make sure that there weren't any misunderstandings about their requirements.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The most popular colors are Red, White and Blue. Patriotic themes are loved and most often requested. Although 10% of our military are women, when given a choice, most of them choose patriotic colors or designs as well. BUT...be advised that not all recipients want Red, White, Blue, patriotic.

My Mother (87 years old) and I have made many Quilts of Valor. We made golf, John Deere, Cowboy, Eagles, and Wolf themed quilts. I made one that was from Senorita themed fabrics. I was sure that there was a fellow that would love to have that one! All were accepted, except one. My Mother saw the news report about Bob Woodruff and his recovery from his injuries. She decided to make a "Speech Therapy" quilt. She found fabrics with basic words on it, and with the letters of the alphabet. She used lots of bright colors with imagaes on the fabrics. It really came out very pretty, although a bit "childish". The quilter sent it back with a nasty note and refused to quilt it. We managed to get it done, and I asked one of the reps if it would be alright to send it. (I sent her a picture) She was overjoyed to get that quilt. Her husband works extensively with TBI (traumatic brain injury) patients and said that it was perfect for some of them. They respond well to bright colors, and their therapists use the letters and words. We sent it, and a young man who had lost 1/4 of his brain was the recipient. He loves that quilt and won't let go of it.
So do not give up! There is someone for each quilt that is made that is greatful to receive it.
Where I was "soured" on making QOVs, came about when I saw that many of the Longarmers thought of them as "practice" quilts. And when I heard the story about one recipient who asked for one for his daughter too, as he was giving that one to his son.

Well spoken quilters! I think this link to a quilt is adorable and a great way to use up scraps. I might give it a try after the holidays.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, isn't it? I can see where quilts made with fabric that is too thin wouldn't be the best choice cos the quilts may be washed a lot. But, most charities (I think) accept quilts of all sizes & descriptions & usually have "rules" what they want. But, if you're sending to a charity that wants/needs quilts again of all/any description, well send to those. I make quilts that are geared toward the recipient. So far, no complaints. Receivers (charities) should be grateful when givers 'specially when quilters are involved even if they don't know how much work in each.

Wow! Where did that come from? Make & donate. If they don't want it..ask for it bac to give to someone else.

JMHO.

Gina

This turned into an interesting thread, didn't it?

Never having donated to an established group, I guess I didn't realize our efforts could be so challenged. I guess I've been spoiled by the 'rules' that we on this board set for ourselves; usually a size is specified, sometimes a color, sometimes a theme. Otherwise, the maker has control over the end product.

I guess groups that receive from far reaching participants and large donations have to be more specific. Even the most well meaning person can come up with a 'less than' quilt, I suppose. I don't know how but I guess they can. I know the quilts I've seen on these boards would only be a joy to the receiver.

The many ladies on this board are great contributors and are to be lauded for their quilts. We, here, understand what it takes to donate.

Thank you for all your time, money, efforts and good intentions. Bravo!!!!!

And if your quilt isn't acceptable to one group, do as Blue Skies did and find one that will accept it. They'll appreciate it more.